Barnett reinstated

Colorado president promises sweeping reforms in culture of athletic department at school

Posted: Friday, May 28, 2004

Chris DufresneLos Angeles Times

After promising "sweeping" reforms and vowing to change the culture of athletics at her school, University of Colorado President Elizabeth Hoffman on Thursday officially reinstated football coach Gary Barnett.

Barnett had been on paid administrative since Feb. 18 as the school investigated a series of sexual assault claims against Colorado football players and recruits.

Hoffman said that while Barnett has shortcomings, "he is a tough disciplinarian, developer of behavioral guidelines and a man who believes a coach's job is to prepare men and women for their life ahead, not simply excel in athletics."

Hoffman also announced Athletic Director Richard Tharp would keep his job, although his authority would be curtailed.

Last week, an independent panel concluded in a 51-page report the school used sex and alcohol to lure recruits to campus but that no one in the administration "knowingly sanctioned" the practice.

Hoffman put Barnett on leave after the coach made critical public comments about former Colorado kicker Katie Hnida, who claimed she was raped by a Colorado football player.

Barnett said, among other things, that Hnida was a "terrible" player. He also said he would back a player accused of assaulting a 19-year-old athletic department employee if it came down to a "he-said, she-said" story.

"Did coach Barnett say things that I and others have found offensive?" Hoffman said at a news conference. "The answer is yes. And for that he has paid a price."

Hoffman said Barnett, Tharp and Chancellor Richard Byyny deserved the chance to help implement changes the school is unveiling.

"I find the suggestion that CU's athletic department and the people who oversee it, that they fostered a climate that condones rape and sexual abuse to be utterly contrary to the facts as I know them," Hoffman said.

Barnett could not be reached for comment.

He issued a statement through his public relations agency saying, in part, he was "grateful to the CU community, parents, players, students, fans and alumni for their loyalty and support during my administrative leave."

Barnett, hired as Colorado coach in 1999, said he looked forward to being a productive member of the CU community for years to come and that he is "dedicated to leading a socially responsible program that will be a source of pride to CU, athletically and academically."